(Interstat) — In a high-octane G League shootout Tuesday afternoon, the Austin Spurs overcame a torrid first-quarter start by the Iowa Wolves to secure a 130-124 road victory at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The win improved Austin’s season record to 23-9, while Iowa fell to 21-14.

The game’s defining dynamic was a dramatic reversal of momentum after a blistering opening period. Iowa, fueled by the hot shooting of Jules Bernard and efficient ball movement, exploded for 43 points in the first quarter, building a 19-point lead. Bernard was instrumental early, scoring 11 points in the frame as the Wolves shot over 60 percent from the floor and connected on five three-pointers. Austin, by contrast, started cold, managing only 24 points and appearing out of sync against Iowa’s offensive onslaught.

However, the Spurs’ resilience was showcased in a dominant second-quarter response. Austin’s defense stiffened, holding Iowa to 29 points, while their own offense found its rhythm behind Harrison Ingram and a balanced attack. The Spurs poured in 35 points in the period, erasing the large deficit and tying the game at 72 by halftime. This 48-29 swing across the second and third quarters, where Austin outscored Iowa 66-57, proved to be the most important stretch of the contest. It shifted the pressure squarely onto the home team and established a back-and-forth battle that lasted the remainder of the night.

The fourth quarter saw Austin finally create decisive separation. With the score tight, the Spurs unleashed a 40-point final period, their highest of the game. Key plays down the stretch included a Stanley Umude three-pointer with 1:47 remaining to extend the lead to 126-123, and critical defensive stops in the final minute. Elfrid Payton blocked a Jules Bernard driving layup with 46 seconds left, and after Bernard split a pair of free throws, Harrison Ingram secured a crucial offensive rebound and putback with 23 seconds left to push the lead to four. Iowa missed two three-point attempts in the final 20 seconds to seal the outcome.

Statistical advantages in rebounding and ball security were pivotal for Austin. The Spurs dominated the glass with 57 total rebounds, including a massive 26 offensive boards that led to 31 second-chance points. They also committed one less turnover than Iowa, 17 to 18, and recorded 14 steals. While Iowa shot a higher percentage from the floor and from three-point range, Austin’s 19 additional field goal attempts, a direct result of their offensive rebounding and forced turnovers, provided the volume needed to outscore the efficient Wolves.

Harrison Ingram led Austin with a standout performance of 30 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, continuing a strong stretch of play. Elfrid Payton recorded a triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists, adding two blocks and two steals. Jayden Nunn contributed 20 points and six rebounds. For Iowa, Jules Bernard delivered a game-high 34 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in a losing effort. Jalen Crutcher added 25 points and seven assists, while Rocco Zikarsky posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

The teams are scheduled for a quick rematch Wednesday afternoon at the same venue.